Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
  • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
  • H04W4/90—Services for handling of emergency or hazardous situations, e.g. earthquake and tsunami warning systems [ETWS]
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
  • H04W12/00—Security arrangements; Authentication; Protecting privacy or anonymity
  • H04W12/08—Access security
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
  • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
  • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
  • H04W4/029—Location-based management or tracking services
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
  • H04W76/00—Connection management
  • H04W76/50—Connection management for emergency connections
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04M2242/00—Special services or facilities
  • H04M2242/04—Special services or facilities for emergency applications
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04M2242/00—Special services or facilities
  • H04M2242/30—Determination of the location of a subscriber
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
  • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
  • H04M3/50—Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
  • H04M3/51—Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention, e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing
  • H04M3/5116—Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention, e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing for emergency applications
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
  • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
  • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information

Definitions

• the present invention is directed to providing location information concerning a communication device, and, more specifically, to a system and method that provides location and other emergency response information associated with a communication device to the user of the communication device for informational, testing, and, importantly, verification purposes.
• Modern technology provides a wide variety of devices with which one person may communication with another person, or, in fact, with several other people simultaneously.
• These communication devices include such diverse elements as hardwired landline telephones, wireless telephones, wireline data communication, wireless data communication and voice over data communications (VoIP).
• Each type of communication device is supported by one or more communications networks that provide the end-to-end connectivity to effects such communication.
• All of the various communications networks must be able to determine the location of each coimrmnications device that it supports and, advantageously, deliver other information that may aid in an emergency. Such location information is critical in the public safety or emergency services area.
• PSAP Public Safety Answering Point
• ESZ Emergency service zone
• TN telephone number
• ESZ emergency service zone
• other information such as medical conditions, presence of hazardous materials, etc., is also delivered to the emergency services operator.
• Each communications technology has its own method for providing such information to the emergency seivices operator.
• a major issue facing the communications industry therefore, is not how to ohtain location data of a communication device, but to insure the accuracy of the data. It does no one any good to dispatch emergency aid to the wrong location. Further, there are now standards as to the accuracy of the determined location of a mobile device. There is, however, no efficient manner in which to verify location and other data that is delivered to the emergency service operator.
• a mobile communication device receives a communication initialization signal.
• the communication device then receives data comprising location data of the communication device that initiated the communication.
• the data is then translated into human-understandable form and conveyed to the user of the communication device.
• the device may be a mobile telephone, personal digital assistant, two-way pager or any other similar mobile system.
• the human-understandable form may be text on a text display, graphics on a graphics display (such as a map) or audio information.
• a communication device receives location data as part of the communication initialization signal. The device then translates the location data into human-understandable form and conveys that data to the user of the communication device. Examples of this system include personal computers (PC's), short message service systems, email systems and landline telephone. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 illustrates a generic exemplary embodiment of the invention set in the context of an emergency services network
• FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary retrieval system of FIG. 1
• FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of this invention in the context of an emergency services network in which wireline technology is used;
• FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary call flow in the wireline network of FIG. 3
• FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of this invention in the context of an emergency service network in which wireless technology is used
• FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary call flow in the wireless network of FIG. 5;
• FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention set in the context of an emergency services network in which Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology is used;
• VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol
• FIG.'s 8A and 8B illustrate exemplary call flows in the VoIP network of FIG. 7;
• FIG.'s 9A, 9B and 9C comprise a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of one aspect of the method of the invention, namely, an exemplary sequence for interactive voice response;
• FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the method of the invention.
• FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of one step illustrated in FIG. 10; and FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of another step illustrated in FIG. 10.
• FIGS. 1- 8 and the following description describe various embodiments of the present invention.
• a system is provided to permit communications service provider personnel, consumers, or, advantageously, both to access subscriber information regarding the communication device that he or she is using, without interfering with emergency services operations and without tediously combing through records.
• FIG.'s 1 and 2 comprise a generic description of the principles of this invention in the abstract.
• FIG.'s 3 - 8 comprise wireline, wireless, and VoIP, respectively, implementations of exemplary embodiments of this invention.
• FIG.'s 9 - 12 comprise flow charts of one embodiment of the Retrieval system of FIG. 2.
• a communications device 110 is connected to or in communication with a service provider network 112.
• Communications device 110 may be a telephone, a computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a TDD device, an interactive television, or any other device that can be used to communication, summon emergency services or both.
• Communications device 110 communicates by voice or data (e.g., email message, SMS message, Internet message, etc.), or by any other means suitable to request emergency services.
• voice or data e.g., email message, SMS message, Internet message, etc.
• communications device 110 can use wireline technology, wireless technology, or any other type of communications technology.
• TN telephone number
• ANI automatic number identification
• Caller ID Caller ID
• communications device 110 includes a locator device 113.
• Locator device 113 comprises an independent means for determining the location of the communications device 110, such as a GPS receiver.
• a comparator 114 which compares location information derived from locator 113 with location information received according to this invention.
• Locator 113 and comparator 114 may be integral part of communications device 110 in this exemplary embodiment.
• locator 113 and comparator 114 may be separate from communications device 110 (i.e., after market device or devices), in the manner of many Caller ID devices.
• communications network 100 responsive to an emergency call is first described.
• the user of communications device 110 makes an emergency services call by dialing or entering an emergency services number (e.g., "9-1-1" in the United States and Canada)
• the call is received by service provider network 112.
• the call is routed by and through service provider network 112 to public safety answering point (PSAP) 116 and the ANI of communications device 110 is delivered to PSAP 116.
• PSAP 116 receives the call, it determines the location of communications device 110.
• PSAP 116 sends the ANI of communications device 110 through interface 118 to emergency response info ⁇ nation source 120.
• source 120 comprises an automatic location information (ALI) system.
• ALI automatic location information
• Source 120 applies the ANI of communications device 110 to source database 122 and returns emergency response information through interface 118 to PSAP 116.
• emergency response information includes, but is not limited to, the location of coimnunications device 110 and optionally other medical, personal, environmental, etc. information.
• the emergency response information available from source 120 and source database 122 includes pre-provisioned information, as is generally the case for wireline communications, or information provisioned at about the time of a call for emergency services, as is generally the case for wireless communications.
• the user of communications device 110 can now verify most or all of the emergency response information stored in source database 122.
• This advance is achieved in the art by a retrieval system 130 communicatively coupled to service provider network 112 via an appropriate network interface 132, or, alternatively, directly.
• Retrieval system 130 is described more fully, below, in connection with FIG. 2.
• network interface 132 comprises a termination point on service provider network 112.
• Network interface 132 may have a TN or may have an abbreviated dialing code assigned to it so that service provider network can route a call to it as is known in the art.
• this invention effects retrieval, verification, or both of the emergency response info ⁇ nation stored in source database 122 associated with communications device 110.
• the user of Communications device 110 dials the TN or special number code of network interface 132.
• Service provider network 112 routes the call and connects the call to network interface 132.
• Service provider network 112 also delivers the ANI of communications device 110 to network interface 132.
• Network interface 132 delivers any and all information obtained (from service provider network 112, directly from communications device 110, from the user of communications device 110, or a combination thereof) to retrieval system 130 according to this invention. Such information at least includes, but is not limited to, the ANI of communications device 110.
• Retrieval system then sends a request for emergency response information to source 120, advantageously through source interface 134 and forwards the ANI of communications device 110.
• source interface 134 is advantageously the same as or similar to source interface 118. Such similarity helps to insure that the emergency response information obtained from source 120 is identical to that obtained by PSAP 116.
• retrieval system 130 may be connected to interface 118 directly.
• Source 120 may use relatively static data such as from a data store 122 (typically an ALI database in the USA), data store 144.
• source 120 obtains relatively dynamic data, such as a mobile positioning center (MPC) used in ANSI CDMA and TDMA networks, a GMLC used in GSM networks, a positioning server used for VoIP communications services, or another means for determining call origin location information that is intended to be presented to PSAP 116 with respect to communications device 110.
• MPC mobile positioning center
• GMLC used in GSM networks
• VoIP communications services or another means for determining call origin location information that is intended to be presented to PSAP 116 with respect to communications device 110.
• source 120 when source 120 receives the emergency response information request from retrieval system 130 (which includes the ANI), source 120 queries source database 122 using the ANI as a key. The information associated with the ANI of communications device 110 is returned to source 120, and is forwarded through source interface 134 to retrieval system 130.
• Retrieval system 130 formats and sends the emergency response information to network interface 132.
• retrieval system 130 forwards the raw data from source 120 to network interface 132, and network interface 132 formats the data for delivery to communications device 110 via service provider network 112. If communications device 110 includes locator 113 and comparator 114, it may automatically compare at least the location information received from source 120 to location information obtained by locator 113. Thus, the emergency response information can be verified by the user of communications device 110 simply and efficiently in accordance with this invention.
• Retrieval system 130 may be programmed to receive changes to fields in the emergency response information in a manner that is appropriate to the type of communications device 110.
• retrieval system 130 comprises an interactive voice recognition system.
• the interactive voice response system prompts the user of communications device 110 for any changes and the user speaks or keys in the correct info ⁇ nation.
• retrieval system delivers the updated information to source 120 via source interface 134 to be stored in source database 122.
• a signal or flag is set in source 120 that emergency response information for coinrmmications device 110 was changed by the user, so that normal updates, as will be described below, do not overwrite valid changes.
• an emergency response information data management system 140 provides emergency response kifo ⁇ nation to source 120 over a data distribution network 142.
• Emergency response info ⁇ nation data management system 140 includes a data store 144.
• Communications services providers supply emergency response information to emergency response information data management system 140 via one or more provisioning distribution networks, represented by provisioning distribution network 146, from such providers' provisioning system 150.
• Provisioning system 150 includes a data store 152. Provisioning system 150, provisioning distribution network 146, data management system 140 and data distribution network 142 are all well known in the art and therefore not discussed further.
• retrieval system 130 may gather data for verification and update data anywhere along the above data path.
• retrieval system 130 is connected to data management system 140 via source interface 134 via dotted line 160.
• retrieval system 130 is connected to provisioning system 150 via dotted line 162.
• retrieval system may be connected any one of source 120, data management system 142 and provisioning system 150, or any combination thereof.
• the optimal block for retrieval of information is source 120, so that the emergency response information obtained at communications device 110 is identical to, or as nearly identical as possible, to the emergency response information delivered to PSAP 116 in a real emergency. If it is not practical or possible to obtain information directly from source 120, then using connection 160 to data management system 140 is generally the next most desirable block, followed by connection 162 and provisioning system. This hierarchy generally accounts for errors that may occur in the distribution chain.
• connections 160 and 162 from interface 134 between retrieval system 130 and data management system 140 and between retrieval system 130 and provisioning system 150 facilitate corrections to emergency response information. These corrections are based on feedback received by retrieval system 130 from users of retrieval system 130. Connections 160 and 162 are fully automated to integrate such corrections with normal workflow of data management system 140 and/or provisioning system 150. To facilitate such automation, data management system 140 and/or provisioning system 150 compare correction requests against an heuristic rule set to determine which correction requests can be processed automatically and which require semi-manual or manual research and correction. A record indicator that identifies a correction made to emergency response information based on a correction request received by retrieval system 130 is used to prevent overwriting of corrected data by erroneous data that may not have yet been corrected in provisioning system 150 or elsewhere.
• Correction requests requiring semi-manual or manual research or correction are placed in a queue according to this invention. Access to the queue is made available to a plurality of interested parties to facilitate triage of the correction requests and actual correction of emergency response information.
• Interested parties include, but are not limited to, the 9-1-1 Service provider, any vendors to whom the 9-1-1 Service provider out sources any operations of the 9-1-1 Service, carriers whose emergency response information is subject to a correction request, and appropriate government agencies.
• Service provider network 112 may be any type of network, as will be discussed further, below in connection with each specific embodiment. For example, if communication device 110 is a plain old telephone service - type telephone, then service provider network 112 is a public switched telephone network (PSTN).
• PSTN public switched telephone network
• service provider network comprises a mobile switching network.
• communications device 110 is a digital data device, such as a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) device
• service provider network 112 comprises a data network, which may include one or more private data networks, one or more public data networks (i.e., the Internet) or a combination thereof.
• service provider network 112 comprises any network or networks that are appropriate for communications device 110, including without limitation, circuit switched networks, packet-switched networks, cable networks, wireless networks, and PBX networks.
• network interface 132 comprises any interface appropriate for communication between retrieval system 130 and communications device 110, given the technologies employed by communications device 110 and the service provider network or networks 112. Therefore, one skilled in the art will be able to implement an interface appropriate for a specific application after studying this specification. For example, if communications device 110 is for voice communications, then interface 132 comprises, in one exemplary embodiment, an interactive voice response system. If communications device 110 comprises a PDA, personal computer, or interactive television, then interface 132 comprises a web server. If, in still yet another embodiment, wherein communications device 110 directly connects to retrieval system 130, then interface 132 comprises an interface usable for such a direct connection.
• retrieval system 130 generally includes a security subsystem 202, a query processing subsystem 204, an administrative subsystem 206 and a data store 208.
• security subsystem 202 is
• Query processing subsystem 204 comprises any means for retrieving data, such as, but not limited to, a computer operated by appropriate software, an appropriately programmed switch in an intelligent network, or other device capable of retrieving emergency response infonnation and presenting it to communications device 110.
• Query processing subsystem 204 receives the request for emergency response information, formats a query to source 120, and sends the request via source interface 134.
• Query processing subsystem 204 also receives emergency response information from source 120 (via source interface 134), formats the information in a manner appropriate for communications device 110 and delivers the information via network interface 132.
• Administrative subsystem 206 tracks all queries and stores information in data store 208.
• Such information may be useful, for example, in an embodiment wherein retrieval system 130 cannot effect changes directly on source 120 (or data management system 140 or provisioning system 150).
• the service provider periodically checks for changes in data store 208 and applies the changes, optimally after verification.
• security subsystem 202 authenticates that the consumer, business, government or other entity seeking access to retrieval system 130 has permission or privilege to do so. Such authentication is desirable to prevent retrieval system 130 from being misused, for example, to prevent a criininal from identifying the name and addresses of potential victims.
• One skilled in the art will understand how to implement a security subsystem 202 that is appropriate for the type of communications device 110 and network 120 (if any) used for communication with retrieval system 130, such that access to retrieval system 130 is restricted to only those who are authorized to have such access.
• Various systems that can be used for security subsystem 202 are well known in the art, some of which are described below.
• security subsystem 202 identifies the caller's network ANI or Caller ID, and allows access through retrieval system 130 only to emergency response information associated with that ANI or Caller ID. If communications device 110 is configured to block disclosure of its ANI or Caller ID, security subsystem 202 prevents retrieval and disclosure of any emergency response information.
• interface 132 comprises a web server (e.g., the website of the earner providing communications service for communications device 110) the authentication process required by the carrier's website- typically, user name and password - is used as input into security subsystem 202.
• the carrier's website is enhanced to perform the retrieval and verification of emergency response information directly.
• the earner's website provides a link to a verification website, and then employs a reverse proxy or other secure means to pass a secure session to retrieval system 130.
• a user of such web access advantageously retrieves and verifies emergency response information for all telephone numbers in that user's account, rather than only the emergency response information associated with the ANI for the communications device 110 used to contact retrieval system 130.
• a class of users is authorized to connect to interface 132 directly.
• access to retrieval system 130 is configured for each entity authorized for such direct connection.
• the configuration is stored in data store 208 and then used by security subsystem 202 to control such direct access to retrieval system 130.
• Tins configuration is accomplished by permitting terminal access to retrieval system 130 (not shown) by an administrator or via remote configuration using means as is known in the art.
• security subsystem 202 comprises part of source 120, either by associating an authorization indicator with emergency response information, or by using a database table indicating which entities have permission to access emergency response information and, advantageously, the extent of access authorized.
• database table can be located at source 120 or in a satellite database system (not shown, but well known in the art).
• the extent of access to retrieval system 130 can be restricted to emergency response information associated with an individual TN or multiple TNs, all TNs associated with a specific TN account, all TNs within a specified range of TNs, or other schema.
• Such extent of access could also be restricted by region or be relatively unrestricted.
• State law enforcement entities for example, could be authorized access emergency response information associated with any TN in their state jurisdiction.
• query processing subsystem 204 retrieves emergency response information from source 120 via interface 134, which comprises an interface that is appropriate to the particular source 120. Query processing subsystem 204 presents such retrieved emergency response information to communications device 110. Alternatively, query processing subsystem 204 retrieves emergency response information from data management system 140, or from provisioning system 150. In these alternative embodiments, retrieval system 130 is communicatively coupled to an interface 134 that is appropriate to the system 140 or 150 from which emergency response information is retrieved. As above, query processing subsystem 204 then presents such retrieved emergency response information to communications device 110. As stated above, retrieving emergency response information from source 120 is preferred because such information is live data; that is, the retrieved emergency response information is the same as that presented to PSAP 116.
• the data contains any and all errors that might have been introduced at any step in the process of providing such emergency response information to PSAP 116.
• an existing interface that is supported by the existing emergency services network such as interface 134, is preferred for the same reason; that is, any errors introduced to the emergency response information by interface 134 would also be retrieved for verification by the user of communications device 110.
• info ⁇ nation optionally may be passed through a translation function (not shown) to convert any MSAG valid community name contained in such information to the corresponding postal city name, to reduce the number of correction requests based on the differences that sometimes exist between valid community names in the master street address guide (MSAG) and postal city names.
• MSAG master street address guide
• interface 134 comprises an interface supported by the existing emergency services network, such as interface 118 (FIG. 1) that is used by PSAP 116.
• query processing subsystem 204 performs a TN query of source 120 where the query itself is identical to queries torn any other PSAP controller.
• interface 134 may comprise a newly created or pre-existing steering interface for retrieving emergency response information from an alternative database, including, but without limitation, data store 144, data store 152 or another data store.
• Interface 134 can be an administrative interface used by a 9-1-1 service provider, thereby allowing indirect access into source 120. On skilled in the art will understand how to build interface 134, after studying this specification, for any technology, including, but without limitation, web, TCP/IP, and TCAP.
• call origin location information is not provided to data store 122 except as the result of processing a live call for emergency services, such as for wireless or out-of-region ANI's. Even then, such information might not be presented to PSAP 116, as for example, if the technology used by PSAP 116 does not yet handle such information. Moreover, for a communications device 110 that is wireless, identification of the accuracy of location information that is provided to PSAP 116 is more important, given the mobility of a wireless communications device 110.
• certain emergency response information associated with a communications device 110 having a wireless TN that could be presented to PSAP 116 may be expressed as (a) the type of location information (e.g., Phase 0 - TN with no location information, Phase 1 - TN and cell site identification, or Phase 2 - TN with longitude and latitude), (b) the actual location information itself (e.g., cell site location description, longitude and latitude, or street address), and/or (c) the estimated accuracy of such location information (e.g., within 1 km of actual location, within 100m, etc).
• the type of location information e.g., Phase 0 - TN with no location information, Phase 1 - TN and cell site identification, or Phase 2 - TN with longitude and latitude
• the actual location information e.g., cell site location description, longitude and latitude, or street address
• the estimated accuracy of such location information e.g., within 1 km of actual location, within 100m, etc.
• network interface 132, retrieval system 130 and source interface 134 are illustrated herein as three separate entities.
• network interface 132, retrieval system 130 and source interface 134 may be one, two, or more separate entities.
• network interface 132, retrieval system 130 and source interface 134 may be combined, individually or in combination, with other portions of coimnunications network 100.
• network interface 132, retrieval system 130 and source interface 134 may be a part of source 120.
• Network interface 132, retrieval system 130 and source interface 134 may be included in a service control point (SCP) in service provider network 112.
• SCP service control point
• FIG. 3 illustrates a call flow of this exemplary embodiment of this invention in the context of FIG. 3.
• POTS plain old telephone service
• a POTS communications device 310 (optionally including a locator 113 and comparator 114) dials a special number (e.g., a predefined 10 digit number or an abbreviated number such as 9-2-2).
• the call is received by local switching system 311, which recognizes the special number.
• Local switching system 311 routes the call through PSTN 312, forwarding the ANI of POTS communications device 31 ⁇ l (404)
• PSTN 312 routes the call to retrieval system 130 via network interface 132 and delivers the ANI.
• the call is connected between retrieval system 130 and POTS communications device 310.
• network interface 132, retrieval system 130, or both comprise an interactive voice response system.
• Retrieval system 130 sends the ANI to source 120 via source interface 134 to request irrformation associated with the ANI (and hence POTS communications device 310). (408) Optionally, the request may be sent to data management system 140, provisioning system 150 or a combination of source 120, data management system 140 and provisioning system 150 (represented by the dashed arrows). Any info ⁇ nation found that is associated with the ANI is returned to retrieval system 130. (410) Retrieval system 130 formats the info ⁇ nation and returns the information to POTS communications device 310. (412) In the embodiment wherein network interface 132, retrieval system 130 or both comprise an interactive voice response system, the info ⁇ nation returned is formatted into speech.
• Retrieval system 130 then optionally requests whether the information is correct. (414) If the infoimation is collect, the user of POTS communications device 310 may hang up or otherwise positively acknowledge retrieval system. If the information is not con-ect, the user of POTS communications device 310 enters the correct info ⁇ nation, via, for example, dual-tone, multi-frequency signals or spoken words. The corrections may be recognized via speech recognition or may be recorded for manual entry, at a later time. (416) The corrections are then forwarded to the source 120 and/or to data management system 140 and provisioning system 150. (418) FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of tliis invention applied to a wireless communications environment 500.
• Wireless communications environment 500 comprises a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) code division multiple access (CDMA), or time division multiple access (TDMA) as are known in the art.
• GSM Global System for Mobile Communications
• ANSI American National Standards Institute
• CDMA code division multiple access
• TDMA time division multiple access
• Wireless communications device 510 is in wireless communication with cell site 512.
• wireless communications device 510 includes a locator 113 and optionally a comparator 114, as described in connection with FIG. 1.
• Cell site 512 is representative of a plurality of cell sites as are used in a wireless communications environment 500 as is known in the art.
• the plurality of cell sites, including cell site 512 is connected to a mobile switching center (MSC) 514, either directly or via one or more base station controllers (not shown but well known in the art.
• MSC 514 is connected to a mobile position center (MPC) or global mobile location center (GMLC), herein called “MPC/GMLC 516,” as is known in the art.
• MSC mobile switching center
• GMLC global mobile location center
• MSC 514 determines the location of communication device 510.
• MSC 514 queries MPC/GMLC 516 for routing instructions, passing it the ANI of the communications device and an identifier for the cell sites serving a call.
• MPC/GMLC 516 requests the location of communications device 510 from position determining entity (PDE) 518 (in accordance with ANSI systems) or from serving mobile location center (SMLC) 520 via MSC 314 (in accordance with GSM systems).
• PDE position determining entity
• SMLC serving mobile location center
• PDE 518 or SMLC 520 returns the X/Y coordinates of mobile communications device 510 to MPC/GMLC 516.
• MPC/GMLC 516 then applies these coordinates to a coordinate routing database (CRDB) 522.
• CRDB 522 generally comprises a mapping of geographical locations served by wireless communications system 500 to a serving PSAP.
• the serving PSAP for communications device 510 is PSAP 116.
• CRDB 522 returns routing instructions for PSAP 116, which generally comprises the emergency services routing zone (ESZ) of PSAP 116.
• ESRK emergency services routing zone
• MPC/GMLC 516 assigns an appropriate ESRK to route the call to the PSAP and sends the ESRK to MSC 514.
• MSC 514 routes the call through service provider network, which, in this exemplary embodiment, comprises PSTN 312 to PSAP 116 passing the PSAP 116 an emergency services routing key (ESRK) that was assigned to this emergency call.
• ESRK emergency services routing key
• ⁇ PSAP 116 passes the received ESRK to source 120 via source interface 118.
• Source 120 ' recognizes ESRK as a special number and sends a message to MPC/GMLC 516 requesting information associated with the ESRK.
• MPC/GMLC 516 returns the X/Y coordinates and any additional information regarding communications device 510 to source 120.
• Source 120 delivers this information to PSAP 116 via source interface 118.
• MSC 514 is programmed to recognize a special numbering sequence, such as a specially-designated, standard ten-digit telephone number or an abbreviated number such as 9-2-2, to access retrieval system 130, and to perform special call processing.
• a special numbering sequence such as a specially-designated, standard ten-digit telephone number or an abbreviated number such as 9-2-2
• the call is directed through cell site 512 to MSC 514.
• MSC 514 requests routing instructions from MPC/GMLC 516 (604), which returns an ESRN and ESQK for this call, wherein the ESRN represents retrieval system 130.
• MPC/GMLC 516 (604)
• MSC 314 sends an ESQK associated with the ANI of wireless communication device 510 to the PSTN 312.
• PSTN 312 routes the call to retrieval system 130 based on the ESRN and delivers the ESQK.
• a call is then completed between wireless communications device 510 and retrieval system 130.
• Retrieval system 130 queries source 120 via interface 134 to determine the actual call origin location for communications device 510.
• Source 120 recognizes the ESQK as a special number and requests location information from MPC/GMLC 516. (616)
• MPC/GMLC 516 in response, requests location information from PDE 518 or SMLC 520.
• MPC/GMLC 516 returns any or, preferably, all information it has regarding the ESQK back to source 120.
• Source 620 forwards the information to retrieval system 130.
• Retrieval system 130 formats and sends the information it receives back to wireless communications device 510.
• retrieval system 130 can request acknowledgement or correction of the information.
• Such correctable information may include name and address associated with wireless communications device 510. Corrected information may be sent from wireless communications device 510 back to retrieval system 130 (626), which forwards the corrected information to source 120.
• MPC/GMLC 516 is approximately analogous to data management system 140 (FIG. 1).
• PDE 518 and SMLC 520 are approximately analogous to provisioning system 150 (FIG. 1).
• This exemplary embodiment reflects the fact that call origin location information is determined dynamically at about the time that a call for emergency services placed, rather than being pre-provisioned to data store 122 (FIG. 1).
• retrieval system 130, source interface 134, or both may be directly connected to any or all of MP C/GMLC 516, PDE 518 and SMLC 520 and retrieve information accordingly.
• MPC 514 is programmed to recognize the special dialing sequence using a feature request code or a trigger in Intelligent Network (IN) technology. Technologies such as ANSI41, wireless intelligent network (WIN) or advanced intelligent network (AIN) can be used in conjunction with an interactive voice recognition system to listen for tones identifying the feature code for emergency information verification. In response, a message is sent to a home location register (HLR) or a Service Control Point (SCP) (not shown but well known in the art). SCP, HLR or both are programmed to recognize the special numbering sequence as indicating a request to retrieve and verify emergency response information and to respond accordingly.
• HLR home location register
• SCP Service Control Point
• Retrieval system 130 in this case comprises an HLR; an SCP or MPC in an ANSI network; or a GMLC in a GSM network.
• the HLR, SCP, MPC, or GMLC is programmed to perform the function of retrieval system 130.
• retrieval system 130 uses the cell site ID to perform a database look-up to retrieve the cell site location description directly from CRDB 522, and pass the description to wireless communications device 510. The description may be passed back to wireless communications device 510 in the voice band, via a signaling channel via an SMS system or other data communication system.
• This embodiment is particularly useful for wireless service providers when performing Phase 2 location testing in the field, because the tester can now receive real time feedback as to the performance of the E911 systems.
• the tester can immediately log a comparison, made either manually or by use of comparator 114, of (a) the current field results obtained by using an independent means to determine the tester's location (such as a GPS device) or locator 112, and (b) results from using an embodiment of the invention. This allows the tester to avoid post field research data correlation and comparison; thus saving time without wasting resources.
• communications device 710 comprises a VoIP communications device, which is connected to a VoIP service provider network 712.
• VoIP communications device 710 may include a locator 113 and comparator 114, as described above.
• a service provider router 714 receives all call originations from VoIP communications device 710 and translates dialed digits by applying the dialed digits to a translation database 716.
• Translation database 716 includes routing instructions for routing calls within service provider network 712 and to the PSTN 312 via one or more gateways, represented by gateway 718.
• VoIP communications network 700 such as VoIP communications network 700.
• VoIP communications network 700 there are no standards in the industiy as there are in wireless and wireline telephony.
• the system and method follows the wireline system and method wherever possible.
• service provider router 714 determines that the special number call requires special routing from translation database 716.
• Service provider router 714 obtains special routing information from location database 720, including, but not limited to, an ESRN and an ESQK and optionally the service provider network address of gateway 718.
• the 9-1-1 call from VoIP communications device 710 is then routed through service provider network 712 to gateway 718.
• Gateway 718 connects the call to PSTN 312, passing to PSTN 312 the ESRN as the dialed number and the ESQK as the dialing number or ANI.
• PSTN 312 uses the ESRN to route the call to the PSAP that serves the location of VoIP communications device 710 (as determined in location database 720), which, in this exemplary embodiment, is PSAP 116.
• the call is connected to PSAP 116 and, as in the case of a wireless call, PSAP 116 passes the ESQK through source interface 118 to source 120.
• Source 120 recognizes a special number call from the ESQK and sends a message to location database 720.
• Location database 720 returns location information regarding VoIP communications device 710 to source 120, which then forwards the location information to PSAP 116 via source interface 118.
• Au exemplary embodiment of this invention in the context of VoIP communications network 700 is now described in conjunction with the call flow of FIG. 8 A, as above.
• the user of VoIP communications device 710 may check (at least) its location information.
• the user of VoIP communications device 710 dials a special 10-digit number, or, alternatively, an abbreviated number (such as 9-2-2).
• the call origination is delivered to service provider router 714, which recognizes the dialed number as requiring special handling.
• Service provider router 714 applies the dialed number to translation database 716, location database 720 or both, in order to determine how to route the call.
• service provider router 714 routes the call through service provider network 712 directly to network interface 132.
• location database 720 returns routing instruction and, optionally, an ESQK.
• Service provider router 714 sends routing instructions back to VoIP communications device 710 and advantageously an ESQK.
• VoIP communications device 710 then routes the call through service provider network 712 to retrieval system 130, via network interface 132, sending its ANI 5 the optional ESQK, or both.
• network interface 132 comprises a gateway or similar IP interface.
• Retrieval system 130 comprises an interactive voice recognition system. " Alternatively, if VoIP communications device comprises a device capable of communication via text, graphics or both, retrieval system 130 includes a text, graphics, or both, system.
• retrieval system 130 is configured to include both an interactive voice recognition system and a text or graphics communications system.
• Retrieval system 130 sends the received ANI, ESQK or both to source 120 via source interface 134.
• Source recognized the special nature of ESQK (as it would in a real 9-1-1 call), and queries location database 720 for location information.
• Location database 720 returns emergency information back to source (818), which returns the emergency information back to VoIP communications device 710. (820)
• retrieval system 130 queries the user of VoIP communications device whether the emergency information is correct. (822) The user may optionally send correct information to retrieval system 130 (824), which forwards the correct information to location database 720, or other network element. (826)
• source 120, retrieval system 130 or both communicate with service provider router 714 to request location information.
• Service provider router 714 then retrieves location information from location database 718.
• retrieval system 130 is configured to queiy location database 720 directly, in accordance with one aspect of this invention, along path 730.
• source interface 134 is configured to communicate directly with location database 720 directly.
• Retrieval system 130 then forwards location data received from location database 720 back to VoIP communications device 710 via network interface 132 and service provider network 712, either verbally or graphically.
• the call setup to verify emergency information is parallel to call setup for a real emergency call.
• the user of VoIP communications device 710 dials a special 10-digit number, or, alternatively, an abbreviated number (such as 9-2-2).
• the call origination is delivered to service provider router 714, which recognizes the dialed number as requiring special handling.
• Service provider router 714 applies the dialed number to translation database 716, location database 720 or both, in order to determine how to route the call. (804) )
• service provider router 714 routes the call through service provider network 712 to gateway 718 and into PSTN 312.
• location database 720 returns routing instructions (such as an ESRN) and an ESQK.
• Service provider router 714 sends routing instructions back to VoIP communications device 710 and advantageously an ESQK.
• VoIP communications device 710 routes the call through service provider network 712 to gateway 718.
• Gateway 718 uses the routing instruction to route the call into PSTN 312.
• the call is then routed through PSTN 312 to network interface 132 (over dashed line 732).
• network interface 132 operates in the same manner as it does in FIG. 3.
• Network interface 132 delivers the query and any data received to retrieval system 130.
• the call is now complete between VoIP communications device 710 and retrieval system 130. (836) Call processing continues as in FIG. 8A, described above.
• retrieval system 130 obtains location information either directly (via path 730) or from source 120.
• FIG.' s 9 A - 9C illustrate one exemplary flow of interactive sequences of the invention, for a consumer using an embodiment in which interface 132 or retrieval system 130 comprises an interactive voice recognition system.
• interface 132 or retrieval system 130 comprises an interactive voice recognition system.
• the same or different sequences can be used for other embodiments, and different sequences can be used for this embodiment.
• the sequence can include any or all of the following steps.
• a consumer calls retrieval system 130 (FIG. 1) using communications device 110. After being vetted by security subsystem 202 (FIG.2), the process continues.
• retrieval system 130 determines whether an ANI is delivered with the consumer's call. If not, the process continues at 908; otherwise, the process continues at 910.
• retrieval system 130 determines whether there are any outstanding requests to correct emergency response information associated with the ANI associated with communications device 110. If so, the process continues at 912; otherwise, the process continues through connector B to FIG. 9B, 914.
• retrieval system 130 attempts to retrieve emergency response information associated with the ANI of communications device 110. If information is found, the process continues through connector C to FIG. 9C; otherwise, the process continues at 916.
• the emergency response information is presented to the consumer, who is prompted to confirm whether it is accurate.
• the consumer is given the option to confirm that the information is correct, in which case the process continues at 942; to request correction of the information, in which case the process continues at 940; or to have the information repeated, in which case the process continues at 944. If none of these options is selected, the process continues at 944.
• the process continues through connector D to FIG. 9B.
• (m)At 944 the system determines whether it is at this point in the sequence because (a) the information has been repeated a preset number of times, in this example, three times; (b) a selection other than one of the options presented was made; or (c) no selection was made within a preset period of time. The process continues at 946.
• Steps 1012, 1014, 1016, and 1018 are depicted in dotted lines to indicate that they are optional steps in the method. Other optional steps can be inserted at this or other points of the method without departing from the spirit of the invention.
• the method can include any or all of the following steps.
• a consumer or other user of the retrieval system 130 uses a communications device 110 to contact the retrieval system 130 using a network or networks 112 that are appropriate for corm ⁇ unicatioiis device 110 and interface 132. The process continues at 1006.
• security subsystem 202 determines whether the user is authorized to access retrieval system 130. If authorized, the process continues at 1020, or optionally, at 1012. Otherwise, the process continues at 1008.
• step 1010 the process ends.
• step 1012 retrieval system 130 determines whether a previous request for correction to emergency response information associated with communications 110 is pending. If so, the process continues at 1014. Otherwise, the process continues at 1020.
• retrieval system 130 informs the user that a previous requested correction is still pending. The process continues at 1016.
• the process continues at 1018.
• retrieval system 130 seeks to retrieve emergency response information, preferably from source 160.
• the process continues at 1022.
• retrieval system 130 informs the user that emergency response information could not be found.
• the process continues at 1026.
• retrieval system 130 gathers information from the user, such as identification and callback number, emergency response information and/or corrections to emergency response information/ If no record was previously found, a record is created.
• the process continues at 1028.
• retrieval system 130 provides information gathered from the user to the appropriate provisioning system 150 or data management system 140 with a request to investigate and collect the emergency response information associated with the TN of the communications device 110.
• the process continues at 1036.
• retrieval system 130 presents to the user the emergency response information retrieved in step 1020.
• the process continues at 1032.
• step 1032 the user verifies the accuracy of the emergency response information presented in step 1030.
• the process continues at 1034.
• retrieval system 130 determines whether the user requests any corrections to the emergency response information. If the user indicates that the information is accurate or does not request any correction be made, the process continues at 1036. Otherwise, the process continues at 1026.
• data regarding the session is logged, which data can include all or any of: date, time, TN, whether emergency response information was located, whether user indicated such information was accurate, whether user requested any correction and if so, the nature of the correction, and the disposition of such request.
• the process continues at 1038.
• the method just described can be practiced using any form of communications device 110, any form of network appropriate to communications device 110, including without limitation, switched networks, packet networks, the PSTN, the Internet, cable networks, PBX networks, and mobile telephony networks.
• the TN i.e., the identifier for communications device 110, can be anyway of addressing communications device 110 as described above.
• Adaptations, additions to, and eliminations of any of the steps just described can be made to reflect the specific form of communications device 110, network or networks 112, and interface or interfaces 132 that are used by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. The same is true for steps shown in any of FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12 or otherwise described herein.
• step 1020 one possible adaptation of step 1020 is shown, in which steps 1006, 1012, and 1022 are shown in dotted lines to indicate environment.
• steps 1006, 1012, and 1022 are shown in dotted lines to indicate environment.
• the process proceeds as follows :
• retrieval system 130 queries source 120 for emergency response information (ERI) via an interface 134 that is supported by the existing emergency services network. If emergency response information is retrievable from source 120 via such interface, the process continues at 1104. Otherwise, the process continues at 1106.
• ERP emergency response information
• retrieval system 130 retrieves the emergency response information. The process continues at 1112.
• retrieval system 130 queries source 120 for emergency response information via another interface 134. If emergency response information is retrievable from source 120 via such interface, the process continues at 1104. Otherwise, the process continues at 1108.
• retrieval system 130 queries data management system 140 for emergency response information via interface 134. If emergency response information is retrievable from data management system 170, the process continues at 1104. Otherwise, the process continues at 1110.
• retrieval system 130 queries provisioning system 150 for emergency response information via interface 134. If emergency response information is retrievable from provisioning system 170, the process continues at 1104.
• step 1032 one possible adaptation of step 1032 is shown, in which steps 1030 and 1034 are shown in dotted lines to indicate environment. In this adaptation of 1032, the process proceeds as follows:
• the location of communications device 110 is determined by an independent means, such as but not limited to, using a GPS device, a map, landmarks, or other means to determine location.
• this can be accomplished by using locator 112.
• the process continues at 1204.
• the location determined in step 1202 is compared to the results obtained in step 630.
• this can be accomplished by using comparator 113.

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• 2005
  • 2005-10-24 US US11/257,262 patent/US20060109960A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2005-10-24 WO PCT/US2005/038198 patent/WO2006047425A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2005-10-24 EP EP05815790A patent/EP1808010A2/de not_active Withdrawn

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